Author: swedishconsulatenewcastle

Children from Hexham First School getting ready for Sankta Lucia at Hexham Abbey

Thanks to our friends from Region Vastra Gotaland, The Embassy of Sweden, Europe Direct, Essity and Handelsbanken Sankta Lucia came to Hexham on the 13th December. The day started with a visit to Essity and a care-home; Tynedale Hospice was entranced over lunch and then the children from Hexham First School stole the show, not once, but twice at the Abbey. A capacity crowd joined the Sankta Lucia Ensemble, a specially formed St Lucy’s Choir from Hexham and the children to share Swedish Christmas magic; make wonderful music and delight in the Sankta Lucia message of goodness and light.

These things don’t happen without a great deal of work so a special thanks is owed to the Hexham Community Partnership and Nordic Voices; Hexham Abbey and of course the children and staff at Hexham First School.

Sankta Lucia is a festival of light into the darkness of winter and joy into the hearts of everyone. A choir is coming from west Sweden to bring this magical candle-lit experience to the atmospheric Hexham Abbey.

Wednesday 13 December

4pm Celebration jointly with the children of Hexham First School – fully candle-lit and with resfreshments in the Abbey afterwards

6.30pm Full celebration with the Swecdish choir augmented by additional British singers. Afterwards all are invited to join the choirs for Kannelbulle and glögg (traditional cinnamon buns and spiced wine)

The negotiations betwen the EU and the UK on leaving the European Union began on 19 June. The UK leaving the EU may bring changes for Swedish citizens and companies in the country. Until the exit negotiations are completed the UK remains a member of the EU.

For questions regarding citizenship or other issues regarding Brexit, Contact the Embassy in London.

Billingham Stars’ game against Sheffield Spartans at the Billingham Forum last Sunday 28th February saw the club hold a Swedish-themed night in front of a full house in collaboration with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by local car dealership Mill Volvo. With the Forum packed with invited dignitaries, special guests and the Stars’ faithful fans, the Lord Mayor of Stockton got the game under way with a ceremonial puck drop, accompanied by our Swedish Consule, Caroline Theobald CBE.

This spectacular dinner took place on 9th February 2016 and was the most attended consulate dinner by Swedish residents so far. There was a hugely eclectic mix of ages and occupations, with 12 out of 22 guests being Swedish. The atmosphere was full-filled and our guests, together with their partners, enjoyed great conversation along with excellent food and wine.

Some guests had travelled far, with Rolf Malm flying over specially from Region Västra Götaland. Rolf also took the opportunity of his visit to arrange Creative Links meetings, the culture led partnership we have with Region Västra Götaland. We were delighted to have previous Consul Christopher Souter together with his wife Erica and Rev Canon Glyn Evans and Judy, who host the annual Lucia celebrations at St Andrew’s Church.

It was great to introduce Swedish citizens to a very English dinner, complete with toasts and lots of local humour!